Malaysia beefs up security in strait

Malaysia beefs up security in strait

MALAYSIA: Malaysia's newly created coast guard has launched patrols in the Malacca Strait to boost security against piracy and the threat of terrorism in the busy shipping lane, the country's deputy leader said on Thursday.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency began its surveillance on Wednesday with three vessels in the strait between peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia's Sumatra island, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters.

"It is the first time in history that we have a fully integrated organization ... in terms of maritime security," Najib said. "I'm confident it will be very much welcomed by our people as well as by the international community, particularly in the light of (security concerns in) the Straits of Malacca."

Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have promised to boost cooperation to protect the narrow waterway, amid concern in Washington and elsewhere that terrorists could hijack a ship and use it as a weapon or launch attacks that could disrupt the billions of dollars of trade that depend on the strait.

Authorities envision the new Malaysian agency will eventually have 4,000 personnel operating with dozens of boats and aircraft. Previously, various government departments separately enforced maritime laws, conducted surveillance and coordinated rescue operations.

The agency is based at Lumut Naval Base in northwestern Malaysia. -- AP